This medicine has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts physicians and patients to potentially dangerous drug effects.
- Propafenone should only be used to treat life-threatening heart rate disorders. This drug, like many other drugs used to treat irregular heartbeat, can increase the risk of death. Your risk may be higher if you have structural heart disease.
- Propafenone oral tablets are only available in a generic version. There is no branded version.
- Propafenone is available as an oral tablet. It is also available as an extended-release capsule that can be taken orally.
- Propafenone oral tablets are used to treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. It is prescribed to people with atrial fibrillation or flutter, ventricular arrhythmias, or paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
Propafenone is a prescription drug. It is available as an oral tablet and as an extended-release oral capsule.
Propafenone oral tablets are only available as generics. Generic drugs generally cost less than brand-name drugs.
Because it's needed
Propafenone oral tablets are used to treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. It is prescribed for people with:
- atrial fibrillation
- atrial flutter
- ventricular arrhythmias
- paroxysmale supraventrikuläre Tachycardia
How does it work
Propafenone is in a class of drugs calledAntiarrhythmika. It is a class 1C antiarrhythmic drug. A class of drugs is a group of drugs that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
This medicine works by stabilizing the heart. It works on your heart muscles to keep your heart rate normal.
Propafenone oral tablets can cause mild or severe side effects. The list below contains some of the most important side effects that may occur when taking propafenone. This list does not include all possible side effects.
For more information about the possible side effects of propafenone, or for advice on how to manage a side effect of concern, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
The most common side effects
Some of the more common side effects that can occur with propafenone include:
- strange taste in the mouth
- nausea
- Vomit
- dizziness
- constipation
- Headache
- fatigue
- fast or slow heart rate
If these effects are mild, they may go away in a few days or a few weeks. If they get worse or don't go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if you feel your symptoms are life-threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
- Irregular heart rhythm. It can cause a new irregular heart rhythm or worsen an existing one. Your doctor will monitor your heart rate before and during treatment with propafenone. Symptoms can include:
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness
- fainting
- palpitations
- heart failure. Symptoms can include:
- swelling of your arms or legs
- difficulty breathing
- sudden weight gain
- Changes in how your pacemaker or defibrillator works. (Your doctor will check your device before and during treatment to make sure it is working properly.)
- Very low white blood cell count in your body. This makes it easier for you to get infections. Symptoms of an infection can be:
- Fever
- sore throat
- chills
- Decreased sperm count
Propafenone can interact with other medications
(Video) Propafenone or Rythmol, Rythmol SR Medication Information (dosing, side effects, patient counseling)
Propafenone can interact with other medications
Propafenone oral tablets can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can produce different effects. For example, some may make a drug less effective, while others may cause increased side effects.
Below is a list of medications that may interact with propafenone. This list does not include all drugs that may interact with propafenone.
Before taking propafenone, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you are taking. Also, let them know about the vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have any questions about drug interactions that could affect you, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Digoxin
Propafenone can increase the levels of digoxin in your body. Your doctor may need to adjust your digoxin dose.
Certain heart and blood pressure medications
Propafenone increases the levels of these drugsbeta blockersin your body Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of these medicines if you take them with propafenone. Examples of beta blockers are:
- Metoprolol
- Propranolol
Lidocaine
Lidocaine and propafenone can have negative effects on the central nervous system when taken together.Do not take these medicines together.
anticoagulants
TakeWarfarinwith propafenone may increase the levels of warfarin in your body. This makes it easier for you to bleed. If you must take propafenone, your doctor may change your dose of warfarin.
Drugs used to treat obesity.
TakeOrlistatPropafenone allows you to decrease the amount of propafenone in your body. This means propafenone may not work as well. Avoid using orlistat along with propafenone.
Medicines for tuberculosis
TakeRifampicinPropafenone allows you to decrease the amount of propafenone in your body. This means propafenone may not work as well.
Certain heart medications
Taking certain heart medicines with propafenone may increase the amount of propafenone in your body or affect how your heart works. This can cause more side effects. These drugs should not be used with propafenone. They include:
- Amiodarone
- Chinidin
Medicines for an upset stomach or stomach ulcers
TakeCimetidinePropafenone allows you to increase the amount of propafenone in your body. This can cause more side effects. This medication should not be used with propafenone.
medication for depression
These medicines can increase the levels of propafenone in your body and cause an irregular heartbeat. You should not take these medicines with propafenone. Examples of these drugs are:
- Desipramine
- Paroxetine
- Sertraline
Certain medicines used to treat infections.
Certain medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria or viruses can increase the levels of propafenone in your body. This increased amount can cause an irregular heartbeat. You should not take these medicines with propafenone. Examples of these drugs are:
- Ritonavir
- Ketoconazole
- Saquinavir (taken with ritonavir)
- Erythromycin
The dose of propafenone prescribed by your doctor depends on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you are using propafenone for
- your liver function
- your age
Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and adjust it over time to get to the dose that is right for you. Ultimately, they prescribe the smallest dose that achieves the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, make sure to take the dose prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for your needs.
Forms of drugs and strengths.
Generic:Propafenon
- Form:oral Tablet
- Strengthen:150mg, 225mg and 300mg
Dose for episodic atrial fibrillation or flutter in people without structural heart disease
Adult dose (18 to 64 years)
The typical dose is 150 mg every 8 hours. Your doctor may increase your dose to 225 to 300 mg every 8 hours after 3 to 4 days.
Dose for children (0 to 17 years)
The safety and effectiveness of propafenone in people under the age of 18 have not been established.
Dosage for seniors (over 65 years)
Your body may process this medicine more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose to prevent too much of this drug from building up in your body. Too much drug in your body can be dangerous. Your dose will be increased slowly.
Dosage for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias
Adult dose (18 to 64 years)
The typical dose is 150 mg every 8 hours. Your doctor may increase your dose to 225 to 300 mg every 8 hours after 3 to 4 days.
Dose for children (0 to 17 years)
The safety and effectiveness of this medicine have not been established in people under the age of 18.
Dosage for seniors (over 65 years)
Your body may process this medicine more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose to prevent too much of this drug from building up in your body. Too much drug in your body can be dangerous. Your dose will be increased slowly.
Dose for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in subjects without structural heart disease
Adult dose (18 to 64 years)
The typical dose is 150 mg every 8 hours. Your doctor may increase your dose to 225 to 300 mg every 8 hours after 3 to 4 days.
Dose for children (0 to 17 years)
The safety and effectiveness of propafenone in people under the age of 18 have not been established.
Dosage for seniors (over 65 years)
Your body may process this medicine more slowly. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose to prevent too much of this drug from building up in your body. Too much of the drug in your body can be toxic. Your dose will be increased slowly.
Special notes on dosing
- For people with liver problems:Your doctor may prescribe you a lower than typical dose.
- For people with heart block or conduction disorders that cause a slow heartbeat:Your doctor may prescribe you a lower dose than the typical dose.
- For people with heart damage:Your starting dose of propafenone will be increased slowly.
This drug comes with several warnings.
FDA Warning: Correct Use Required
- This medicine has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts physicians and patients to potentially dangerous drug effects.
- • Propafenone should only be used to treat life-threatening heart rate disorders. This drug, like many other drugs used to treat irregular heartbeat, can increase the risk of death. Your risk may be higher if you have structural heart disease.
Warning of other health problems
Propafenone can make other health conditions worse. These conditions include:
- heart failure
- cardiogenic shock(your heart can't pump enough blood through the rest of your body)
- Cardiac conduction disorders, where your heart rate is too slow without a pacemaker
- Brugada syndrome (a heart condition)
- very slow heartbeat
- very low blood pressure
- Lung diseases such as bronchitis or emphysema
- abnormal levels of salts (electrolytes) in your body
Irregular heart rate warning
Propafenone can cause new or worsening abnormal heart rhythms. These are called proarrhythmic effects. They can be deadly. Your doctor will do an electrocardiogram test before and during treatment with propafenone to check your heart function.
Low risk for sperm count
Men taking propafenone may have a lower sperm count. This can make it difficult for your partner to conceive.
risk of infection
At the beginning of treatment, propafenone can cause a very low number of white blood cells in your body. This can make it easier for you to get an infection. The levels of these blood cells may return to normal within 14 days of stopping treatment. Tell your doctor if you have signs of infection such as
- Fever
- sore throat
- chills
Allergy Alert
Propafenone can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the throat or tongue
- Urticaria
If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do not take this medicine again if you have ever had an allergic reaction.Re-administration could be fatal (cause death).
Grapefruit Warning
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase the amount of propafenone in your body. This can make your irregular heartbeat worse. Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while taking this medication.
Warnings for people with certain health problems
For people with certain heart rate or rhythm disorders:Propafenone can make certain heart problems worse, such as B. a slow heartbeat. Your doctor will monitor your heart rate before and during your treatment with propafenone.
For people with Brugada syndrome:Propafenone can reveal an underlying heart condition called Brugada syndrome. This is a dangerous type of arrhythmia.
For people with heart failure:Propafenone acts on the heart muscles, which can make heart failure worse. Do not take this medicine if you have heart failure.
For people with pacemakers:Propafenone can change the way your pacemaker works. Your doctor will monitor and correct these changes during your treatment.
For people with liver problems:Propafenone levels can rise and build up in your body. This can lead to more side effects.
For people with kidney problems:The levels of this medicine in your body may increase. This can cause more side effects. Talk to your doctor about how safe this medicine is for you.
For people with myasthenia gravis:Propafenone can worsen myasthenia gravis, a disorder that causes weakness in the muscles of the body. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes in your symptoms, such as: B. Weakness or blurred vision.
Warnings for other groups
For pregnant women:No studies have been conducted to determine whether propafenone poses a risk to a human fetus. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus when the mother takes the drug. However, animal studies do not always predict how humans would react.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Propafenone should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the pregnancy.
For breastfeeding women:Propafenone can pass through breast milk and cause serious consequences in a nursing child. You and your doctor may need to decide whether to take propafenone or breastfeed.
For seniors:Older people may have reduced liver, kidney and heart function. This means it may take longer for this drug to clear your body, which could lead to more side effects.
For children:The effectiveness and safety of propafenone in people under the age of 18 have not been established.
(Video) What Are Rhythm Control Medication Options?
Propafenone is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don't take it as prescribed.
If you don't take it at all, or if you skip or skip doses:This drug is used to treat chronic diseases. There is no cure for these conditions, but taking propafenone can help you feel better. It is important that you continue to take your medication as directed by your doctor, even if you are feeling better. This gives you the best chance of improving your symptoms.
If you take too much:You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug may include:
- low blood pressure
- slow heartbeat
- sedation (fatigue)
- Arrhythmia
If you think you have taken too much of this medication, call your doctor or seek advice from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or yourOnline-Tool.But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
What to do if you miss a dose:If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.
Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This can lead to dangerous side effects.
How to know if the medicine is working:You should have a decrease in your heart rate and your symptoms of weakness, dizziness, tiredness and lightheadedness should improve.
Your doctor will do a test called an electrocardiogram to check how well your heart is working and if propafenone is helping it.
Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes propafenone for you.
Generally
- Propafenone tablets can be cut or crushed.
storage
- Store propafenone tablets at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
- Keep this medicine away from light and high temperatures.
- Do not store this medication in damp or damp areas such as bathrooms.
refills
A prescription for this drug is refillable. You should not need a new prescription to refill this drug. Your doctor will write the number of authorized refills on your prescription.
Travel
If you are traveling with your medication:
- Always carry your medicine with you. When you fly, never put it in checked baggage. Keep it in your tote bag.
- Don't worry about the X-ray machines at the airport. They cannot harm your medicine.
- You may be required to show the pharmacy label of your medication to airport staff. Always carry the original labeled prescription drug packaging with you.
- Do not put this medication in the glove box of your car and do not leave it in the car. Avoid doing this at all costs when the weather is very hot or very cold.
clinical surveillance
You will be monitored by your doctor before and during your treatment with propafenone to make sure the drug is safe for you. The following is checked:
- Your heart rate and rhythm using an electrocardiogram
- your kidney function
- your liver function
- how well your pacemaker is working (if you have one)
- Your white blood cell count (this medicine can lower the number of white blood cells in your body, making you more likely to get an infection)
- Your immune system with an antinuclear antibody test
Prior Approval
Many insurance companies require prior approval for this drug. This means that your doctor must obtain approval from your health insurance company before your health insurance company will pay for the prescription.
There are other medications to treat your condition. Some may suit you better than others. Talk to your doctor about other medications that might be right for you.
Disclaimer:Healthline has made every effort to ensure that all information is accurate, complete and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and experience of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information in this document is subject to change and does not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular drug does not mean that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or for all specific uses.